Obituary of Carol Deffebach Sweeney

Carol Deffebach Sweeney, 89, passed away September 9, 2024. 

Carol Alexandra Deffebach was born near Dallas on October 25, 1934 and lived her early childhood in Colorado City, Texas before moving to Fort Worth, Texas where she grew up. Gifted a baby grand piano by her paternal grandmother, she played keyboards for school, social and church events in her youth. During WWII the family moved to Franklin, Tennessee while her father served in France and Germany as a United States Army Captain under General Patton; then moving to Abilene, Texas and building a new house after the war. In 1949 a younger sister Jeanne was added to the family.

A graduate of Abilene High School, she attended Randolph-Macon but married prior to obtaining a degree. She joined Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Her two sons were born in 1955 and 1956; the first, Mark, in West Germany during her husband’s service in the Army. They returned to live in Lubbock, Texas and her second son, John, was born in Abilene. The family moved frequently including Wichita Falls in the late 1950s; then Fort Worth, Houston and Austin in the 1960’s. She was in the Junior League in Austin and helped create Fiesta at Laguna Gloria. She was divorced in 1968 and remarried, moving to Lubbock again, before moving back to Fort Worth in 1971. She was very involved in the creation of the first Mayfest in 1972. Her second marriage ended in 1978. 

She worked as a real estate agent for Turner–Wood in Fort Worth until obtaining her realtor’s license and starting her own firm as a sole practitioner dealing primarily in residential properties. Her dog Brinley, acquired in Austin, kept her close company. 

She was involved with the Presbyterian Night Shelter from 1987 to 2024, serving as President for several years in the 1990s and being intimately involved in the creation of a number of the structures which constitute the current facilities. These include the 1999 Lowden-Schutts Women and Children’s Shelter, the 2000 Mimi Fitzgerald Safe Haven mental health Shelter, improvements to the Patriot House Veterans program, the PNS Kitchen and many other critical projects. In 1994 she helped create the Annual Christmas Gala. Her concern for the homeless was profound. 

In 1987 she married Robert E. ‘Bob’ Sweeney, of R.E.Sweeney Lumber and Resdoor among other businesses. They acquired property and built a new home for themselves designed by friend and noted architect John Wesley Jones. The house was the repository of their many collected artifacts, books and site of many joyful meals and parties. Their dogs Wally and Allen, and two goats, were dear family. 

A longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth, she supported many church endeavors and served on several church committees such as the Building Committee. Her contributions include an 8-foot tall cedar and silver cross in memory of Bob Sweeney. 

Carol was predeceased by her parents, Lura Dickenson Deffebach and John A. Deffebach, her sister, Jeanne D. Lynch, her first two husbands, nieces, Laura and Meredith Lynch, daughter-in-law, Daphne Dawn Perry, and by her third husband, Robert E. Sweeney.   

She is survived by sons, William Mark Gunderson and John M. Gunderson, both of Fort Worth, as well as niece, Carol Granja and husband, Xavier and 3 sons; as well as ex-brother-in-law, Steven Lynch of Portland, Oregon. 

She was beloved by many in 89 years. The family wishes to thank the Stayton and it’s many staff members for kind and compassionate care. Thank You so much Carmen and Candy.

Memorial Service: 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church, 1000 Penn Street, Fort Worth.

Donations in her memory may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Fort Worth, the Presbyterian Night Shelter or anyone with needs.